New England Patriots and former Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Ryan Mallett will spend time in Russellville on Saturday to help raise money for the Equestrian Zone.

The Equestrian Zone and the Russellville Athletic Department have partnered to host Mingle with Mallett, with all proceeds benefiting the Equestrian Zone.

The Equestrian Zone provides equian therapy for people with disabilities and is one of only six such organizations in the state.

“The horse provides three-dimensional movement that is most similar to human walking,” Jodi Kusturin, Equestrian Zone and Recovery Zone director, said. “So with that you see changes in people’s physical and functional skills. The horse is like a tool. It’s just like physical, occupational or speech therapy — only it’s using a horse.”

For Mallett, the work done at the Equestrian Zone hits close to home. Mallett’s cousin is a patient.

“Having a family member involved in the Equestrian Zone makes me acutely aware of how much they help the special needs kids in the community,” he said. “It is also very personal to me, as I have a cousin that attends the facility and I know how much they have supported him.”

However, Mallett explained he would have been on board regardless of whether or not he had family involved with the Equestrian Zone’s therapy.

“It deals with kids,” he said. “And it deals with a charity in the state of Arkansas, and either one of those would have gotten me on board. You combine the two and I was all in.”

The idea for the event was born out of need. The Equestrian Zone was in need of a cover for its riding arena.

“If it rains we can’t ride,” Kusturin said. “That’s hard on our patients. They don’t make as much progress. If they miss a week, it’s two weeks before they get to ride again.”

Mingle with Mallett will begin at 1 p.m. at Russellville High School’s Cyclone Stadium. General admission will cost $10 and buy attendance to a 30-minute question-and-answer session with Mallettt and a chance to win a custom pair of cleats.

Also available are $30 tickets which grant VIP access. Along with the perks of general admission, VIP access allows a meet-and-greet with Mallett, where attendees can get a personalized autograph photo or bring an item for him to sign. Only 60 VIP passes are available.

The top-tier ticket costs $50 per person but includes a seat at a pre-event luncheon.

“We’re so grateful that we have this opportunity,” Kusturin said. “I’m overwhelmed. It’s overwhelming to think he’s taken an interest.”

“I just hope that my presence may be able to bring a little attention to such a great cause,” Mallett added.

“The good people over at the Equestrian Zone work so hard, and a lot of times their good work gets overlooked.”